(back cover) Theaters are enchanted places and Ella Bella's ballet lessons at the old theater have a magic all their own... As soon as the tune from a mysterious music box begins to play, Ella Bella finds herself dancing into the world of the Cinderella ballet. But can Ella Bella help Cinderella attend the royal ball? Discover the magic of famous ballets in the charming Ella Bella Ballerina books, created by the popular children's author and illustrator James Mayhew. Another book in this series is Ella Bella Ballerina and the Sleeping Beauty, also available from Barron's. (front flap) Ella Bella Ballerina and Cinderella Written and Illustrated by James Mayhew Ella Bella loves Madame Rosa's ballet class, which is held at an old theater that seems touched by magic. One day, when Ella loses one of her slippers, Madame Rosa lends her another pair for dancing--and is then reminded of Cinderella and her story of the lost slipper. Madame Rosa recounts the tale to her students, and Ella Bella listens with heightened interest. When their day's lesson is over, Ella lingers at the theater, then opens Madame Rosa's magical music box and listens as it plays melodies from the Cinderella ballet. Suddenly, Cinderella's fairy godmother appears, and Ella Bella is transported into the beloved story of Cinderella. This delightful book's final page describes the ballet Cinderella, with music by the great Russian composer, Sergei Prokofiev. (back flap) ABOUT THE AUTHOR James Mayhew was born in Blundeston, a tiny village in Suffolk, England. Today he lives with his wife and son in Letchworth Garden City, England. The author and illustrator of many popular children's books, James Mayhew claims that he began writing so that he would have something to illustrate. He is also the author of Ella Bella Ballerina and The Sleeping Beauty, published in North America by Barron's. Read Less